The Chemical Hygiene Officer will serve as the campus-wide Chemical Hygiene Officer (as required by OSHA) and function as the ORS resident expert on chemical safety, toxicology and risk assessment involving the safe use and storage of hazardous chemicals in teaching and research. This position will also work in cooperation with the EHS function in Risk Management to ensure a common approach to chemical safety across NU. The Chemical Hygiene Officer will ensure OSHA compliance with the “Laboratory Standard” (29 CFR 1910.1450) by ensuring that a key compliance document—the Chemical Hygiene Plan—meets the needs of the campus and is kept current.

This position performs risk and compliance assessments, and promotes safe work practices within Northwestern University managed research laboratories—specifically the Chemistry Department. The Chemical Hygiene Officer will work with the principal investigators, researchers and administrators in assigned departments to prepare and update standard operating procedures and policies. Safety support services include laboratory safety inspections, development of training content, response to laboratory emergencies, incident investigations and other services.

Please note:

Must carry a cell phone, pager at all times while at work. May be required to wear a pager during off-hours. Incumbent must be physically capable of hazardous materials response: wearing chemical protective clothing and a self-contained breathing apparatus during emergency response.

Specific Responsibilities:

Serves in the official capacity of Chemical Hygiene Officer for NU as the ORS residential expert on chemical safety, toxicology and risk assessment involving the safety use and storage of hazardous chemicals in teaching and research.

Works with principal investigators and researchers to integrate safety procedures into laboratory operations. Promotes safe work practices based on regulatory requirements, incident experience, best management practice, and University policy. Performs the more complex risk and industrial hygiene assessments and safety audits, and drafts performance reports. Acts as the subject matter expert to make recommendations on appropriate laboratory safety practices and exposure control.

Under limited direction, develops contingency plans for emergency response and drills with all stakeholders. Serves as one of ORS's field deployed safety and health representatives and certified hazardous materials shippers.

Reviews new regulatory requirements for applicability to research safety and assess the impact of new or proposed regulations on laboratory safety resource needs. Researches scientific publications and other academic safety programs for innovative approaches to safety operations and develops recommendations for improvements or simplification.

Improves own professional skills through outreach, training and acquiring certification.

Must pass pre-employment physical screening. Fit to carry 50lbs, walk extensively, and be medically approved to wear chemical protective clothing including respirators. Must have no medical condition that would interfere with performing essential job functions.

Must be able to respond to potential emergencies of the Evanston campus, off hours and weekends within one hour.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work with individuals from many cultural backgrounds and varying language skills.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.

Internal Number: 34092

About Northwestern University

Northwestern University is a major private research university with 12 academic divisions located on three campuses in Evanston, Chicago, and Education City in Doha, Qatar. We have approximately 2,500 full-time faculty members, 17,000 graduate and undergraduate students, and over 5,700 full and part-time staff. Northwestern University combines innovative teaching and pioneering research in a highly collaborative environment. It provides students and faculty exceptional opportunities for intellectual, personal and professional growth.